Lift-top desk system

ABSTRACT

An item of furniture having a lift-top working surface configured to elevate a part of the furniture above other, similar components. This lifting functionality is configured so that the item is usable in a variety of human ergonomic positions, such as seated and standing. Typically, the furniture is a desk, and the lift-top surface elevates a portion of the desktop from a seated to standing position using a lift mechanism or lift means hidden within a compartment of the desk body during non-use. The compartment may double as a storage, such as for cables, wires, and other typical office equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This disclosure pertains to the field of furniture, and moreparticularly to furniture with a variable height work surface.

Description of the Related Art

The health risks of sedentary office jobs are well known. Workers whospend a substantial part of their day in a stationary, seated positionexperience a number of negative health consequences, including weightgain. Sedentary work lifestyles reduce overall cardiovascular health,which can cause other health complications.

Increasingly, office workers at “desk jobs” are seeking opportunities toget exercise in their daily office routines. For example, workers mayget up from their desks and take walks once an hour and, increasingly,office workers are opting to stand, instead of sitting. Standing at adesk may have certain health benefits over sitting, such as improvedcirculation, better attention and focus, increased caloric burn, orsimply an opportunity to stretch muscles and change positions.

Most office workers use a desktop computer system in their dailyactivities, which in turn requires a mouse and keyboard for input and acomputer monitor for output. In many office environments, the user inputdevices are attached to a sliding tray mounted to the bottom side of adesktop, or simply placed on top of the desk in front of a monitor. Themonitor itself is generally attached to a stand or arm placed on top ofthe desktop. Conventionally, standing at a desk requires an aftermarketapparatus attached or applied to the desk to raise the input and outputdevices to a comfortable height for operation while standing. Theaftermarket apparatus usually comprises a flat top surface on which themonitor is placed; the flat top surface is attached to a mechanism forraising or lowering the surface. However, because the mechanicalcomponents occupy space, the device generally sits on top of the desk,and the mechanical components for raising are also located above the topsurface of the desk.

This presents a number of problems. First, the mechanical componentsthemselves are unattractive. Second, because the mechanical componentsmust be located between the flat top surface of the lifting device andthe top of the desk, the lifting device nevertheless elevates themonitor above the surface of the desk, even when the lifting device isin a lower “sitting” position. This can require the seated user to cranehis or her neck to an unnatural position in order to see the monitorcorrectly when not using the lifting device in “standing” position.Third, because the mouse and keyboard must also be at a comfortableworking height, the user must manually move the mouse and keyboard withthe lifting apparatus, when the lifting apparatus is moved to standingposition. This usually involves rerouting cabling, or the use ofwireless peripherals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this sectionis to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, amongother things, is a desk comprising: a desktop configured for seated useby a human having a work surface and a cutout moveable sectionconfigured to generally conform to the cutout; a lift means for liftingand suspending the moveable section above the work surface at a heightfor standing use by a human.

In an embodiment, the desktop is generally in the configuration of arectangle.

In a further embodiment, the cutout section is generally in theconfiguration of a rectangle.

In a further embodiment, the width of the moveable section is less thanthe width of the desktop.

In a further embodiment, the length of the moveable section is less thanthe length of the desktop.

In a further embodiment, the moveable section comprises a top surfaceand an opposing bottom surface and the lift means is attached to thebottom surface.

In a further embodiment, the desk comprises a storage compartmentdisposed beneath the desktop at the cutout and, when the moveablesection is not lifted, the lift means is in the storage compartment.

In a further embodiment, the storage compartment comprises a firstinternal support and an opposing second internal support attached to thebottom side of the desktop on opposing sides of the cutout, the liftmeans attached to each of the first and second internal supports.

In a further embodiment, the lift means is configured to elevate andsuspend the moveable section directly above the cutout section.

In a further embodiment, the lift means is configured to suspend themoveable section above the desktop such that a line from the center ofthe moveable section to the center of the cutout is not generallyperpendicular to the desktop.

In a further embodiment, at least one side of the storage compartment isan apron of the desk.

In a further embodiment, the apron is the front apron of the desk.

Also described herein, among other things, is a method for adjusting theheight of a work surface comprising: providing a desk having a portionmoveable with respect to a desktop of the desk and attached to the deskby a lifting means, the moveable portion having a closed position inwhich the moveable portion is configured for seated use by a human andan open position in which the moveable portion is configured forstanding use by a human; when the moveable portion is in the closedposition, using the lifting means to lift the moveable portion to theopen position; using the lifting means, suspending the moveable portionin the open position.

In an embodiment, the width of the moveable portion is less the width ofthe desktop.

In a further embodiment, the length of the moveable portion is less thanthe length of the desktop.

In a further embodiment, the moveable portion is generally in theconfiguration of a rectangle.

In a further embodiment, the center of the moveable portion when in theopen position is directly above the center of the moveable portion whenin the closed position.

In a further embodiment, the center of the moveable portion when in theopen position is not directly above the center of the moveable portionwhen in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a lift-top desk according to the presentdisclosure in both open and closed positions.

FIG. 2 depicts isometric and side elevations of a lift-top deskaccording to the present disclosure in both open and closed positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description and disclosure illustrates by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. This description will clearlyenable one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed systems andmethods, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,alternatives and uses of the disclosed systems and methods. As variouschanges could be made in the above constructions without departing fromthe scope of the disclosures, it is intended that all matter containedin the description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Described herein, among other things, is an item of furniture 101including a lift-top working surface 105. This disclosure describes thelift-top work surface 105, or movable portion, in connection with aconventional office desk, but it will be readily apparent to a person ofordinary skill in the art that the structures and methods describedherein may be readily adapted to other types of furniture havingenclosures for the components described herein.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an item of furniture according to thepresent disclosure shown in two different configurations. In thedepicted embodiment of FIG. 1, a desk 101 having a lift-top surface 105is depicted. The depicted desk 101 is generally a typical desk, having adesktop or work surface 103 suspended above the floor by a supportsystem 102, such as desk legs or panels. A typical desk has an apron orskirt 104 extending between the legs and disposed below the worksurface. The apron 104 adds rigidity and stability to the constructionwhile hiding the internal construction of the desk. The depicted desk101 is shown in both closed 101A and open 101B position. For purposes ofthe present disclosure, “closed” position 101A shall mean that thelift-top surface 105 is in its lowest position, with the lift means 107disposed at or beneath the bottom 109 of the work surface 103, and thetop of the lift-top surface 105 disposed at or near the plane at the top111 of the work surface 103. For purposes of this disclosure, “open”position 101B shall mean that the lift-top surface 105 is extended abovethe work surface 103, generally for use by a human in standing position,with at least a portion of the lift means 107 disposed at or above thetop plane 111 of the work surface 103, and the lift-top surface 105disposed above the top plane 111 of the work surface 103.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lift-top surface 105 is a generally planarstructure, having a surface area smaller than the surface area of theprimary work surface 103. This has the advantage of allowing only part105 of the work surface 103 to be elevated, which permits the user tochoose which materials disposed on the work surface will be lifted. Forexample, the monitor, keyboard, and mouse may be placed on the lift-topsurface 105, so that when the lifting means 107 is used, the monitor,keyboard, and mouse also are raised to standing height. However, otherobjects disposed on the work surface 103, such as papers, beverages,food, or décor, are not disturbed. This prevents the user from having tomanually relocate the mouse and keyboard or other devices that the userwill frequently manipulate in standing position, as those items can allbe placed on the lift-top surface 105.

Although the depicted lift-top surface 105 is rectangular, this is adesign choice and other shapes or configurations are possible, thoughsome are more difficult to construct due to the shape and configurationof the lifting elements. While rectangular surfaces are convenient dueto ease of manufacture and the generally aesthetically pleasing natureof rectilinear design, the lift-top surface 105 could be in anotherconfiguration, such as, but not limited to, a polygonal, oval, circular,or an irregular or asymmetrical shape.

The work surface 103 of the desk 101 is also generally in theconfiguration of a rectilinear shape, generally for the same reasons asstated with respect to lift-top surface 105; however, the work surface103 could likewise be in another configuration, such as, but not limitedto, a polygonal, oval, circular, or an irregular or asymmetrical shape.Such configurations are well known in the art to be appealing to users,and to make the furniture 101 suited for use in virtually any space. Thework surface 103 comprises a cutout 113. The cutout 113 is generally thesame size, shape, and configuration as the lift-top surface 105. Whenthe lift-top surface 105 is in closed 101A position, the combination ofthe work surface 103, and the lift-top surface 105 generally form arectangular prism, causing the desk 101 to function as a conventionaldesk 101 in that configuration 101A.

The depicted lift-top surface 105 is mechanically attached to a liftingmeans 107. The lifting means 107 is in turn mechanically attached to thedesk 101, typically to internal construction elements hidden fromexternal view when the desk 101 is closed 101A. Components of thelifting means 107 are generally attached to the bottom and/or the sidesof the lift-top surface 105 so that, when the lift-top surface 105 is inclosed position 101A, the lifting means is disposed beneath it, and thuscontained within an internal compartment of the desk 101 and notexternally visible in closed 101A position.

The depicted lift means 107 comprises one or more rigid arms 115 or bars115 rotatably attached to the desk 101. To lift the lift-top surface105, the lift-top surface 105 is pulled up from closed position 101A,which causes the arms 115 to rotate to a vertical position, where thearms 115 may be suspended and locked in place. The depicted arms 115 areattached to an inside surface 121 of the cutout 113 which extendsperpendicularly below the desk 101 surface to provide a sufficientlystable and rigid attachment point to which the arms 115 can be rotatablyattached.

A number of structures and systems for achieving the lift functionalityare known in the art, and any number of these could be easily convertedor adapted for use with the desk as described herein. By way of example,and not limitation, appropriate lift technologies for this applicationare exemplified by systems commercially offered for sale by Varidesk™,Ergotron™, Uplift Desk™, iMovR™, Work EZ, and others.

As seen in FIG. 1, this inside surface 121 comprises a second, internalapron or skirt extending floorward from the cutout 113. This structuremay provide additional structural strength in the middle of the desk,where the work surface 103 typically experiences the heaviest loads andhas the least structural support. In the depicted embodiment, theinternal apron 121 surrounds the cutout 113 on three sides, with part ofthe front apron 104 forming the fourth side of an internal box orcompartment. The lift top surface 105, when closed 101A, forms a “top”or “lid” to a compartment whose perimeter is defined by these surfaces.

Thus, the cutaway portion 113 of the work surface 103 forms an enclosurewhen the lift-top surface 105 is closed. That is, the perimeter of thecutaway 113 extends downward to form the sides of an enclosure, whichmay optionally be fully or partially closed at the bottom by anotherpiece of material. When the lift-top surface 105 is in closed position,the lift means 107 are disposed within the enclosure. However, in manyconfigurations, the lift means move along a consistent path, and theenclosure is substantially empty, regardless of the position of thelifting means 107. As such, the enclosure may be used for storage. Suchstorage may include excess cabling, other computing or office equipment,or anything else that the user desires to store. The storage enclosuremay alternatively include a built-in power strip or surge protector,which can be plugged into a wall receptacle, allowing objects disposedon the desk to be plugged into the surge protector, reducing the amountof cabling that must be run to the wall. This arrangement is alsoadvantageous because it provides ample surplus cabling for the liftingoperation, reducing the odds that the lifting will stretch the powercable taut, which can cause devices to be pulled off the lift-topsurface 105 when it is raised.

In an embodiment such as that seen in FIG. 2, the lifting means not onlyelevates the lift-top surface 105 above the work surface 103 of the desk101 in open position 101B, but also offsets it laterally with respect tothe cutout 113. That is, as seen in FIG. 2, the lift-top surface 105moves towards the front 117A of the desk 101 when lifted; alternatively,the lift-top surface 105 would move towards the back of 117B of desk101. This is so that, in the depicted embodiment, the arms 115 can bestowed within the desk 101 when the desk 101 is in closed position 101A,without interfering with the seated user. That is, if the lifting means107 is too large or complex, when the desk 101 is closed, the liftingmeans 107 may hang too low down below the desk 101, such that the user'slegs may bump into it when seated. While not depicted, other liftingmeans are possible, which may use other mechanical structures to liftthe lift-top surface 105 straight up over the cutout 113.

When the desk 101 is in closed position, the top of the lift-top surface105 is generally coplanar with the top 111 of the work surface 103. Thiscan make it difficult to begin the lifting process. The lift-top surface105 may thus include one or more small grip holes figured for a human toinsert a finger or hand and lift the lift-top surface 105 fully up, orpartially up until the user can get his or her fingers under the sides.Similarly, such a hole would allow the user to gently lower the lift-topsurface 105 without pinching his or her fingers on the sides as itcloses. Alternatively, if the cutaway compartment does not include abottom the user may simply place a hand under the desk 101 and push upon the lift-top surface 105 from below, beginning the raising action. Ina still further embodiment, the lifting means may include components forassisting with the lift, or slowing the descent. Examples of suchcomponents include handles, grips, springs, hydraulics, such as an airspring, and/or electrical motors or actuators. Such components bothincrease usability and reduce the risk of damage due to an uncontrolleddrop. The finger or hand holes may also be used to route cables from themonitor, keyboard, mouse, or other objects disposed on top of the desk101 to the bottom of the desk 101, where they can then be guided toappropriate equipment or power receptacles.

Although the depicted embodiment shows only one lift-top surface 105with accompanying lifting means 107, it will be clear to one of ordinaryskill in the art that an item of furniture may contain two or more suchstructures, in the same, or different configurations.

The lift-top surface 105 may be prevented from dropping below the planeof the top of the work surface 103 by any number of structures. Forexample, the lift means 107 may itself be configured to prevent loweringof the lift-top surface 105 any lower than the top plane of the worksurface 103. Alternatively, other structures may be used to provide aresting place for the lift-top surface 105 so that it cannot descendpast the top of the work surface. For example, the internal apron 121may protrude into the cutout 113 by an amount, such that the top of theapron 121 provides a lip or ridge, which the lift-top surface 105 willencounter when placed in closed position 101A. This ridge will preventthe lift-top surface 105 from descending any further.

In an embodiment, the surface area of the lift-top surface 105 comprisesless than half of the surface area of the work surface 103. In analternative embodiment, the surface area of the lift-top surface 105comprises more than half of the surface area of the work surface 103.

In the depict embodiments, the lift-top surface is only part of the worksurface. However, in an alternative embodiment, the lift-top surface andwork surface are co-extensive; that is, the lift-top surface comprisesthe entire work surface. Additionally, the depicted embodiments areillustrative only and the structures and methods described herein may beused in alternative desk embodiments, such as, but not necessarilylimited to, a conventional pedestal desk. Additionally, in an embodimentwhere the lift-top surface comprises less than all of the work-topsurface, the lift-top surface need not have the precise configurationshown in the FIGS. For example, the lift-top surface may comprise halfof the work surface, while the other half remains stationary. In such anembodiment, it will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe internal apron structure will likewise differ. For example, if theleft-hand half of the desk lifts, then the left, front, and back apronsmay be used to attach the lifting mechanism, and only one internalsupport may be used.

While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a descriptionof certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed tobe the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to beillustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein areencompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations ofthe described embodiments may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A desk comprising: a desktop configured for seated use by a humanhaving a work surface and a cutout moveable section configured togenerally conform to said cutout; an unmotorized a lift means forlifting and suspending said moveable section above said work surface ata height for standing use by a human; and a storage compartment disposedbeneath said desktop at said cutout; wherein when said moveable sectionis not lifted, said lift means is disposed within said storagecompartment.
 2. The desk of claim 1, wherein said desktop is generallyin the configuration of a rectangle.
 3. The desk of claim 1, whereinsaid cutout is generally in the configuration of a rectangle.
 4. Thedesk of claim 1, wherein the width of the moveable section is less thanthe width of the desktop.
 5. The desk of claim 1, wherein the length ofthe moveable section is less than the length of the desktop.
 6. The deskof claim 1, wherein said moveable section comprises a top surface and anopposing bottom surface and said lift means is attached to said bottomsurface.
 7. The desk of claim 1, further comprising at least one griphole disposed in said moveable section and sized and shaped to accept atleast one human finger to lift or lower the movable section.
 8. The deskof claim 1 7, wherein said storage compartment comprises a firstinternal support and an opposing second internal support attached to thebottom side of said desktop on opposing sides of said cutout, said liftmeans attached to each of said first and second internal supports. 9.The desk of claim 1, wherein said lift means is configured to elevateand suspend said moveable section directly above said cutout section.10. The desk of claim 1, wherein said lift means is configured tosuspend said moveable section above said desktop such that a line fromthe center of said moveable section to the center of said cutout is notgenerally perpendicular to said desktop.
 11. The desk of claim 1,wherein at least one side of said storage compartment is an apron ofsaid desk.
 12. The desk of claim 11, wherein said apron is the frontapron of said desk.
 13. A method for adjusting the height of a worksurface comprising: providing a desk having a portion moveable withrespect to a desktop of said desk and attached to said desk by anunmotorized a lifting means disposed within a storage compartmentbeneath said desk, said moveable portion having a closed position inwhich said moveable portion is configured for seated use by a human andan open position in which said moveable portion is configured forstanding use by a human; when said moveable portion is in said closedposition, using said lifting means to lift said moveable portion to saidopen position; and using said lifting means, suspending said moveableportion in said open position.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thewidth of said moveable portion is less the width of said desktop. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein the length of said moveable portion isless than the length of said desktop.
 16. The method of claim 13,wherein said moveable portion is generally in the configuration of arectangle.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the center of saidmoveable portion when in said open position is directly above the centerof said moveable portion when in said closed position.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the center of said moveable portion when in said openposition is not directly above the center of said moveable portion whenin said closed position.
 19. The desk of claim 7, further comprising aridge disposed within said storage compartment and adapted to preventthe moveable surface from descending below a top plane of the desk. 20.The desk of claim 19, further comprising a power supply disposed withinthe storage compartment.